Kanye West, the artist and entrepreneur now known as Ye, is being sued by model and former America's Next Top Model contestant Jenn An, who alleges he sexually assaulted and strangled her during a 2010 music video shoot. The federal lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claims the incident occurred at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City during the filming of La Roux's music video for "In for the Kill."
According to the lawsuit, West allegedly asserted control over the production and directed female background models to line up so he could evaluate their appearances. He reportedly selected An, instructing, "Give me the Asian girl," and dismissed others from the set. An, dressed in revealing lingerie, reportedly expressed discomfort, stating, "I'm not wearing very much," to which West allegedly replied, "That's why I chose you."
The complaint alleges that West orchestrated a staged assault, claiming it was part of the shoot. An accuses him of choking her with one hand before using both hands to strangle her. The lawsuit further states that he shoved several fingers into her mouth and throat in what the suit describes as "pornographic gagging," emulating forced oral sex.
During the alleged assault, West reportedly shouted, "This is art. This is f---ing art. I am like Picasso." An said she struggled to breathe and felt as though she temporarily blacked out. When West finally stopped, the lawsuit alleges her face was smeared with saliva and makeup.
The lawsuit also names Universal Music Group as a defendant, accusing the company of failing to intervene or investigate the incident. The complaint argues that the company fostered an environment where artists with histories of misconduct were shielded for financial gain.
An's attorney, Jesse S. Weinstein, praised her courage in filing the suit. "We are honored and privileged to represent Ms. An, who has displayed great courage to speak out against some of the most powerful men and entities within the entertainment industry," Weinstein said in a statement.
An, who appeared on America's Next Top Model in 2009, has since pursued a career in acting and modeling, with credits on shows like The Mindy Project and Grey's Anatomy. She stated her hope that this lawsuit will bring accountability and change to the entertainment industry. "Women in the music and entertainment industries have been subject to sexual abuse for years with no recourse to speak out or implement change," An said. "This space is a dangerous place for women. We are essentially objects in the entertainment world."
The New York Police Department released a statement urging survivors of sexual assault to report incidents to ensure thorough investigations and access to support services.
This lawsuit adds to West's mounting legal troubles, including a separate amended lawsuit filed by a former assistant alleging sex assault and trafficking. West's representative has not responded to requests for comment.
An is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, citing mental, emotional, and physical injuries. "We hope this case will lead to a safer world for us and for future artists," she said.
Universal Music Group and West have yet to issue official statements regarding the lawsuit.
